Julie from Florence, KY

04/24/2015

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 of 22

Categories

Comments

Great for these types of students

As an online student myself, I think Gateway is particularly suited for digital learners!! Their system is easy to navigate and their offerings are, as I've said, extensive. I did not get very involved in campus life, but I got emails all the time for a whole host of social activities; so if you're looking for an active student community outside the classroom, Gateway would be a great option for you as well!

Food and Dining

Food options are typically limited to the gourmet world of vending machines, but I have gotten an email from time to time advertising free pizza at various campuses.

Dorm Life

Gateway is a community college and does not offer housing plans.

Academic Rigor

Most of my classes were not particularly difficult, but I definitely learned a lot from them! As with any college class, the rigor level depends on the professor; but overall, I felt like my classes had a good balance between abundant information and reasonable expectations.

Tips for prospective students

1) Check out the online course offerings!! Gateway is partners with 15 other colleges across the state, all of whom allow cross-enrollment. For students who succeed in self-study, Gateway's course list is limitless. 2) Investigate Learn-on-Demand. Learn on Demand online classes are an alternative to Learn-by-Term. You can enroll and get started at any time during the year, and the classwork is apportioned into manageable chunks that are very easy to work in around hectic schedules. Highly recommended! 3) Do your research on book requirements prior to enrollment. Most classes (particularly online ones) have multiple sections to choose from. Different professors, however, require different books. I have found a difference of as much as $200!! For cost-effectiveness, utilize the KCTCS bookstore to compare book requirements (check prices on Amazon and Barnes and Noble too) before choosing a section.

In three sentences

I have attended Gateway for the past two years, and it has exceeded my expectations. Because Gateway belongs to the KCTCS system (16 Kentucky colleges who allow cross-enrollment for online courses), the range of classes to choose from is essentially endless! On a relational level, almost every contact I've had--with advisors, professors, counselors, faculty members, etc.--has been a great experience.

Micah from Florence, KY

Campus safety is always present and directions for getting a hold of them are clearly posted.

Greek Life

None.

Clubs and Activities

There are some honors clubs you can join, but not much more than that.

Great for these types of students

Transfers, students on a budget, non-traditional students looking to earn a technical degree or certifications for their industry.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

None that I can think of.

Bang for the buck

The experience and education you can earn for the relatively small amount you pay is tremendous. Tution at GCTC is about 1/3 the cost of other state schools, so it is a great place to start. If you are graduating from high school in Kentucky and you have a good GPA, your KEES money would pay for a majority of your schooling.

What to do for fun

Since there are no dorms, on-site activities are extremely limited. However, there are some clubs and organizations that meet occasionally.

Food and Dining

There are very limited dining options, but some campuses do have a small cafeteria open for short times. There are also plenty of vending machines and they will bring off-site vendors in once a week or so (i.e. Chik-Fil-A).

Academic Rigor

The academic rigor varies by subject, but it is appropriate for the content in all classes I have taken so far. As long as you are willing to work hard and put in some time to study, nothing is too difficult.

Tips for prospective students

If you can afford to pay up front, try to rent or purchase books online through Amazon, etc. The Barnes and Noble options are always much more expensive. For example, one of my books costs almost $300 through B and N, but I rented it on Amazon for the duration of my class for $60.

In three sentences

GCTC is a great college for students seeking a technical education, transfer students looking to earn inexpensive general education classes, or non-traditional students. There is a high-quality online program that allows you to take classes at GCTC and also at any other KCTC system college in the state, which is very convenient. The inexpensive tuition is also a definite benefit toward obtaining a degree on a budget.

Make sure that disability documentation and special education reports are up to date and obtain a copy for your records. Understand your specific disability and the support you are currently receiving. Before taking the SAT, inquire about special accommodations for testing. Contact the State Bureau of Rehabilitation Services to inquire about eligibility for services. Develop reading, study, time management and organizational skills.

In three sentences

This is a very excellent school.I've love to continue my nursing program and graduate here. Also, it's a quiet and environment.

$140 per credit hour - This is affordable in comparison to other area colleges

Food and Dining

We have a cafeteria at the Covington campus and a cafe called MoJoe's at the Edgewood campus.

Dorm Life

There are no dorms here at Gateway. Students live off campus.

Academic Rigor

Be prepared to exercise your brain here at Gateway. For every three credit hours which equal one class - be prepared to devote two hours or more to homework per subject per class. While this is a two-year community and technical college, they are also preparing you for a four year university.

Tips for prospective students

Always make sure you know your student identification number. This is the way you are identified and can be helped with your questions. When preparing for your semester of classes, print out your schedule and your syllabus if available on Blackboard. Be prepared before you go to class. Make sure you know the correct dates and times for your classes. Remember to go to class and be there on time.

In three sentences

I rate Gateway a 10. The reason why I rate it a 10 is because you are valued as a person and not a number. When you work hard, you are recognized and are encouraged to continue on that path of educational excellence.

MacKenzie from Cincinnati, OH

Emergency posts everywhere, in case of an emergency! Campus security is tight and there are lots of cameras and watchful eyes for safety as well!

Great for these types of students

Non-Traditional, Single Parents, Pregnant mothers, First-Years, Not the best high school grades, ANYONE!

Bang for the buck

VERY AFFORDABLE FOR ANYONE, IN ANY SITUATION!

What to do for fun

There are tons of on and off campus activities, such as: clubs, Greek life, and volunteer opportunities!

Food and Dining

There are lots of vending machines but more of the campuses could use a campus cafe of some sort. But there are restaurants relatively close to the campus.

Dorm Life

It's a community college so sadly they have no dorms.

Academic Rigor

Easy to understand and and easy to obtain! I've had no problem since attending the school.

Tips for prospective students

Take a tour, meet and talk to some of the students and professors, and find out what Gateway can do for you!

In three sentences

Gateway is open to helping EVERYONE! Its small and personal and the professors are amazing! Its a good start for anyone who just wants to try out college until they get comfortable enough for a 4-year institution.

Student from Union, KY

I think it's pretty good. The parking lots are close to the bulidings and there is usually security on duty.

Greek Life

I am not sure about this one...

Clubs and Activities

There are some clubs and organizations available.

Great for these types of students

Any type of student, especially those that are coming back to college and have a full time job and/or a family to take care of.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There are several campus locations in the northern Kentucky area for the entire Gateway community.

Bang for the buck

Excellent tuition rates! About a third of the price as the closest university.

What to do for fun

Gateway offers different clubs and organizations to be a part of. Being a community college, there are no sports available.

Food and Dining

There isn't any on campus, just what is around locally.

Dorm Life

No dorms available here.

Academic Rigor

This depends on the course you are taking as well as the instructor, which I think is the case at any college or university you attend.

Tips for prospective students

If you are looking for a way to save money and get a great start on your college education then Gateway is the college for you! They offer most, if not all, of the general requirements that a university wants you to have. Then you can transfer to a university ahead of the game and in a lot less debt! This is a great school!

In three sentences

Gateway is great college for people who are looking to furhter their education and save money at the same time. The class sizes are small and this allows for more one on one instructor time if it's needed. For people who are busy and aren't able to attend classes, Gateway offers courses online for you to do on your own time.

Marissa from Walton, KY

There is always a cop walking around the campus or stationed outside. All campuses are very safe.

Great for these types of students

All types of students from all types of life can easily go to Gateway. Its set up to if you are working you can work full time and go to school. Also its much cheaper but provides the same criteria that a 4 year college does. Weather you are 18 and just coming out of High School (like myself) or if you are 60, Gateway provides the classes.

What to do for fun

The college has many clubs and I usually stay around with my study group and hang out at the college. Since I usually have time between my classes, I hang outside by the library where I can chat, study or just waste time on the computer.

Food and Dining

The cafeteria has pretty good food. There are always vending machines available and the cafeteria is open almost all the time except at the night.

Dorm Life

The nice thing about Gateway is there is no dorm life. Since it is a 2 year college you have many people in different stages of life. It's a great way to start off. You don't acquire to much debt but still get to be part of the clubs and become involved.

Academic Rigor

If you study and apply yourself the classes are simple. Manly it depends on your major.

Tips for prospective students

Stay on top of your work. Once you let something slip or procrastinate you get in way over your head.

In three sentences

Gateway College has a flexible schedule for all its students with affordable tuition. The teachers are interested in helping you. The best part of Gateway is the small classes, instead of a huge auditorium you are in a classroom.

Jennifer from Burlington, KY

Non-traditional students make up a large population of the student body.

What to do for fun

Cincinnati is a few minutes from the campus, so big city activities are available. Zoo, museums, conservatory, trails, parks, etc.

Food and Dining

I never tried the cafeteria food, however the instructors spoke very highly of it.

Dorm Life

There is no on campus housing.

Tips for prospective students

Prospective students should meet with an academic advisor to be sure they are on the right track with taking the correct required classes. Also, be sure to continue to stay in contact with your academic advisor throughout the year. Although tuition is very affordable, be sure to apply for financial aide to assist with tuition.

In three sentences

The instructors are very knowledgeable and made learning interesting and obtainable. The instructors are also very accessible and go out of their way to help the students. A new tutoring service recently opened and was a valuable asset for me.

Natasha from Ft Thomas, KY

05/16/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

14 of 22

Categories

Comments

Tips for prospective students

Never be scared to ask for help, no matter how big, or small the problem!

In three sentences

Gateway is an awesome school that takes time to help, and understand their students. I have been treated wonderfully, and enjoy going to school. The teachers have gone out of their way to help me grow as a student.

Jonathan from Florence, KY

gateway does have many clubs and groups that i have not been able to take advantage of yet.

Great for these types of students

gateway is a great place for a average person to go back to school. i work a full time job putting in more than 45 hours a week have two kids and take 12 credit hours. i have a 3.75 gpa. if i can do it anyone can.

Bang for the buck

gateway is a great way to get bang for your buck because the classes for the transfer program are almost $300 cheaper that at nku for the same classes.

What to do for fun

gateway has many different activities throughout the semesters which i have not been able to take advantage of yet.

Food and Dining

currently only the covington campus has a full cafeteria, all of the schools do have a cafe type setting for snacks and have microwaves to heat up anything you might need to be warmed up.

Dorm Life

no dorms for this college but they do have 5 campuses throughout northern kentucky for everyones convenience.

Academic Rigor

classes are what you make of them. your instructors are there for you if you have questions and they will work with you if sometihng happens. they understand that not all aspects of life can be controlled.

Tips for prospective students

getting enrolled is the first step to going to college. taking a year off from high school is not something that is food for you in the sense that once you start working full time it is very hard to cut hours there to start school again.

In three sentences

this is a great stepping stone for those who wish to get a ba in their field of study. if you are not currently sure of what you want to do then by getting stared with your general education classes is a good way of spending time and money for your future. you do have a lot fo resources available for anything you might need for any schooll issue.

Heather from Walton, KY

there has been incidents, as im sure there are at all schools but the school has improved on security since i have been there.

Greek Life

none.

Clubs and Activities

i think there is like 4 clubs for the entire school.

Great for these types of students

this school is great for students who cant afford a university, have children, or students whose program of choice is offered at the school.

Bang for the buck

the school itself for people who cannot afford or do not want to be at a big university is fantastic. the teachers really are great and will go out of there way to make sure you understand and pass the class.

What to do for fun

they try to have some activitys but sometimes they will be at the campus you have no classes on so it makes it difficult.

Food and Dining

there are vending machines and microwaves but that is all.

Dorm Life

the school doesnt have dorms and there is almost no since of belonging simply because there arfe no social aspects except inside of class.

Academic Rigor

it depends mostly on the courses you take but its college its not going to be the easiest thing ever.

Tips for prospective students

make sure to seek help from advisors from gateway as well as the school u plan to transfer to so you know which classes are for you.

In three sentences

its a very good school for getting you accustomed to the college feel. if they have the program you are looking for going all the way through it is great, however it can sometimes be tricky if u plan to transfer. .

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